The Carolina Panthers have caught the eye this season. They may be only 1-1 right now, but head coach Dave Canales' squad has already drawn buzz around the league for their approach.
There were concerns over the summer. The injuries to key personnel didn't help, and things looked a little off-sync during the preseason. But the coaching staff never showed their full hand until it was absolutely necessary.
They still haven't. But if the early signs are any indication, the Panthers could successfully defend their NFC South championship and secure their first winning record under David Tepper's ownership.
The Panthers have played over 300 snaps on offense, defense, and special teams this season. But what have they revealed that Carolina didn't show in August?
Well, quite a bit, actually...
What the first 300 snaps revealed about the Carolina Panthers nobody saw in August
Brad Idzik is cooking up a storm
One of the biggest unknowns heading into the season was the Panthers' shift in offensive play-calling. Dave Canales handed the reins to Brad Idzik, and nobody really knew what to expect, with the starters barely playing in the preseason.
Any concerns were alleviated quickly.
Idzik has been aggressive, pushing the football downfield and focusing more on getting the pass game going with quarterback Bryce Young. The signal-caller is off to a tremendous start, and even though the run game still has issues, fans couldn't ask for more right now.
The best part? Things will only get better as everyone gets more familiar with Idzik calling plays.
Panthers' defense might be more than bend-don't-break
Ejiro Evero took some significant heat for giving up 59 points and 291 rushing yards against the Chicago Bears in Week 1. But when the defensive coordinator became more aggressive in Atlanta, it showed just what this unit can be when players get a little extra freedom.
Granted, the Falcons' offense isn't the best, and bigger challenges are coming. But if this is a sign of things to come, Evero's typical bend-but-don't-break approach might become a thing of the past.
And fans will be rejoicing at that thought.
Darren Waller still has life
The Panthers signed tight end Darren Waller relatively late in the summer. He was brought along gradually, barely practicing and not being risked in the preseason. Some even speculated he would be released before landing back on the practice squad until he got up to speed.
Nobody knew for certain. As it turned out, they didn't need to worry.
Waller has been a revelation. He's an elite decoy who commands attention, especially in the red zone. He can still make tough catches, and his physical presence is something the Panthers haven't had at tight end since Greg Olsen.
If the Georgia Tech product stays healthy, he'll be a legitimate difference-maker.
Panthers' young defensive lineman can play
After a humbling experience against the Bears, Carolina's young defensive linemen got the wake-up call they needed. An early setback might be the best thing that ever happens to them.
Lee Hunter, Cam Jackson, and even undrafted rookie Aaron Hall have all flashed promise. Bobby Brown III missed Week 2, but he should be ready to go this weekend. Derrick Brown is the focal point, so it'll be interesting to see how the dynamic shifts as younger players vie for key roles.
They can play. If they keep developing, a promising future awaits this trio.
Bryce Young is ready
The Panthers never lost faith in quarterback Bryce Young. He'd made encouraging progress over the last two years, but plenty of skeptics questioned whether he could be a franchise-caliber presence under center for Carolina to depend on.
General manager Dan Morgan felt the same way. The Panthers picked up his fifth-year option but held off on giving him a new deal. Young had to earn it, but his start to the campaign has exceeded almost everyone's expectations.
Young leads the league in almost every statistical category. He's poised, in complete control, and the timing with his pass-catchers is on point.
The Alabama product is seizing the moment. This is his time, and if Young can keep this up all season, the Panthers will be a tough out for anybody.
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